10 Wise Arabic Sayings with Meaningful Comparisons

Reading Time: 7 minutes
10 Arabic Sayings with Meaningful Comparisons
From Alif to Yaa: Continue Learning Arabic
10 Arabic Sayings with Meaningful Comparisons
play_circle_filled
pause_circle_filled
Listen to: 10 Wise Arabic Sayings with Meaningful Comparisons
volume_down
volume_up
volume_off

The Arabic language is rich with Arabic sayings and proverbs that carry deep meaning, life lessons, and wisdom.

Throughout a series of articles, we have explored Arabic proverbs on a wide range of topics. Today, we will focus on a unique category of Arabic proverbs—those that use beautiful metaphors.

These sayings draw comparisons to elements of nature, wildlife, historical figures, and symbols. To make it even more engaging, this article will explain each proverb and provide its English equivalent.

Get ready to enrich your Arabic vocabulary with 10 beautiful sayings that are easy to use in everyday conversations!

Wise Arabic Sayings Using the Comparative Form

Let’s start by clarifying the form shared by all the Arabic proverbs in this article. 

They all have adjectives in their comparative forms. 

In Arabic, the comparative form is usually made from the form “أفعل” afaal. 

Check the following example:

Beautiful - More Beautiful

Jameel - Ajmal

جميل - أجمل

Smart - Smarter

Dhakī-adhká​

ذكيّ - أذكى

Big - Bigger

Kabeer - Akbar

كبير - أكبر

Copy of Copy of Alphabet blog

In Arabic, this is called the elative form, or اسم التفضيل ismu tafḍīl, literally meaning “noun of preference”. It is a special form of adjectives used to express comparisons (e.g., أصغر “smaller”) and superlatives (e.g., الأصغر “smallest”).

Instead of adding words like “more” or “most,” Arabic changes the structure of the adjective itself.

These forms do not change based on gender or number in most cases.

Now. let’s start with the first Arabic saying:

Arabic Sayings with Meaningful Comparisons

1

Heavier than a mountain

Athqalu min jabal

أَثقَلُ مِن جَبَل

Heavy - Heavier

Thaqyl-athqal

ثَقيل - أَثْقَل

person carrying a huge mountain symbolizing one of Arabic sayings

 This Arabic phrase describes something that feels overwhelmingly heavy, whether it’s a physical burden or an emotional one. Imagine carrying the weight of Mount Everest on your shoulders—it’s that intense!

  • Cultural Context: Mountains are often seen as symbols of strength and stability in Arab culture, but they also represent immovable obstacles. This Arabic saying reflects the idea of facing something so massive that it feels impossible to overcome.
  • English Equivalent: “A weight on my shoulders” or “carrying the world on my back.”

2

More cautious than a crow

Aḥdharu min ghurāb

أَحذَرُ مِن غُراب

Cautious - more cautious

Ḥadhr-aḥdhar​

حَذر - أَحذَر

DALL·E 2025 03 17 21.07.44 A crow standing on a tree branch its dark feathers contrasting against the soft light of the sky. Behind the crow a modern city skyline appears blur

Crows are known for their sharp instincts and wariness. This Arabic saying is about being extra cautious, like someone who double-checks everything before making a move.

  • Cultural Context: In Arab culture, crows are often seen as clever but cautious birds. They’re associated with wisdom and survival, making them a fitting symbol for vigilance.
  • English Equivalent: “Better safe than sorry” or “as cautious as a fox.”

3

More guarded than a dog

Aḥrasu min kalb

أَحرَسُ مِن كَلب

To guard - more guarded

yaḥaris-aḥaras

يحرس - أَحَرَس

DALL·E 2025 03 17 21.11.39 A loyal dog standing guard in front of its owners house its posture alert and attentive. The dog has a strong protective stance ears perked up an

Dogs are loyal and protective, always on alert. This Arabic phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely vigilant or protective, like a guard dog watching over its territory.

  • Cultural Context: Dogs have been companions and protectors in Arab culture for centuries, especially in rural areas where they guard livestock. This saying highlights their unwavering loyalty and alertness.
  • English Equivalent: “As vigilant as a watchdog.”

4

Closer than the jugular vein

Adná min ḥabli alwaryd

أَدنَى مِن حَبلِ الوَريد

Close - Closer

Dānī-adná​

داني - أَدنَى

DALL·E 2025 03 17 21.32.24 A symbolic representation of closeness featuring a glowing thread or vein visible in a mans neck subtly illuminated to emphasize its significance.

This poetic phrase comes from the Quran and refers to something that’s incredibly close—closer than your own heartbeat. In Surat Qaf, Allah the Almighty says:

Indeed, it is We Who created humankind and fully know what their souls whisper to them, and We are closer to them than their jugular vein.” – Qaf 16 

It’s often used to describe a deep connection or something that’s always present.

  • Cultural Context: The jugular vein is vital to life, and this saying emphasizes the intimacy and importance of the connection being described. 
  • English Equivalent: “Closer than your own shadow” or “near to my heart.”

5

Cheaper than dates in Basra

Arkhaṣu mina alttmri fī albaṣrh

أَرخَصُ مِنَ التّمرِ في البَصرة

Cheap - Cheaper

Rakhyṣ-arkhaṣ

رخيص - أرخص

DALL·E 2025 03 17 21.37.49 A realistic scene of a market in Busra Iraq where a vendor is selling fresh dates. The stall has a modest selection of golden and reddish brown date

Basra, a city in Iraq, is famous for its abundance of dates. This saying is used to describe something that’s dirt cheap or overly common.

  • Cultural Context: Dates are a staple in Arab cuisine and culture, and Basra is one of the largest producers of dates in the world. When something is as plentiful as dates in Basra, it’s bound to be inexpensive!
  • English Equivalent: “Cheap as dirt” or “a dime a dozen.”

6

Faster than the wind

Asraʻu mina al-rīḥ

أَسرَعُ مِنَ الريح

Fast - Faster

Saryʻ-asraʻ

سَريع - أَسرَع

DALL·E 2025 03 17 21.49.44 A powerful and fast wind sweeping through an open landscape creating a dramatic and dynamic scene. Trees bend under the force of the wind their bran

This one’s all about speed. It’s used to describe something or someone that moves lightning-fast.

  • Cultural Context: The desert winds in the Arab world are known for their speed and power. This saying captures the essence of something moving as swiftly as those winds.
  • English Equivalent: “Quick as lightning” or “faster than a speeding bullet.”

7

Wiser than Loqman

Aḥkamu min luqmān

أَحكَمُ مِن لُقمان

Wise - Wiser

Ḥakym-aḥkam​

حكيم - أحكم

DALL·E 2025 03 17 22.03.50 A highly detailed and artistic portrayal of Luqman the wise scholar from Islamic tradition. He is depicted as an elderly man with a long flowing bea

This phrase is used to describe someone who is incredibly wise or makes exceptionally smart decisions.

  • Cultural Context:
    Loqman (or Luqman) is a legendary figure in Arabic and Islamic tradition, known for his wisdom and profound advice. He is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Luqman) and is often compared to wise figures like Solomon in other cultures.
  • English Equivalent:
    • “Wiser than Solomon.”
    • “As wise as an owl.”

8

Hotter than embers

Aḥarru mina aljamr

أَحَرُّ مِنَ الجَمر

Hot - hotter

Ḥārr-aḥrr

حارّ - أحرّ

DALL·E 2025 03 17 22.04.38 A close up of glowing hot embers radiating intense heat and vibrant red orange hues. Wisps of smoke rise gently from the coals emphasizing their smo

This phrase describes something extremely hot, whether literally (like fire) or metaphorically (like intense emotions).

  • Cultural Context:
    In Arab culture, fire and embers are often used to describe intense feelings, such as anger, passion, or love. This saying captures the idea of something burning intensely.
  • English Equivalent:
    • “Hotter than fire.”
    • “Burning with passion.”

9

Sweeter than honey

Aḥlá mina alʻasl

أَحلَى مِنَ العَسل

Sweet - Sweeter

Ḥulw-Aḥlá

حلو - أحلى

DALL·E 2025 03 17 22.05.14 A close up of golden sweet honey dripping from a wooden honey dipper into a glass jar. The honey glistens in the warm light showcasing its rich smo

This phrase is used to describe something or someone extremely sweet, whether literally (like food) or metaphorically (like a kind person or a joyful moment).

  • Cultural Context:
    Honey has always been a prized food in Arab culture, symbolizing sweetness, health, and prosperity. This saying reflects the high value placed on sweetness, both in taste and in character.
  • English Equivalent:
    • “Sweeter than sugar.”
    • “As sweet as honey.”

10

Lighter than a butterfly

Akhaffu min farāshah

أَخَفُّ مِن فَرَاشَة

Light - lighter

Khafyf-akhaf

خَفيف - أَخَف

DALL·E 2025 03 17 22.06.37 A realistic lightweight butterfly delicately perched on a flower petal. Its wings are slightly translucent showcasing intricate patterns and soft n

This phrase describes something extremely light, whether physically (like a feather) or metaphorically (like a carefree attitude).

  • Cultural Context:
    Butterflies are often associated with grace, lightness, and freedom in Arab culture. This saying captures the idea of something so light it’s almost effortless.
  • English Equivalent:
    • “Lighter than a feather.”
    • “As light as air.”

Final word

So, to our sweeter-than-honey readers, we hope you liked these 10 Arabic sayings and comparative expressions that are full of wisdom from Arabic culture.

Write them down, so you can easily use them the next time you want to make a beautiful comparison. 

If these sayings have sparked your interest in Arabic, why not take the next step? Learning Arabic can open doors to understanding a rich culture and connecting with millions of people worldwide.

Download the AlifBee app today and start your journey to mastering Arabic!

Picture of Dania Gh.
Dania Gh.
Dania is a teacher, translator, and SEO content strategist with a passion for making Arabic accessible and enjoyable for learners around the world. As the Blog Manager at AlifBee, she writes educational blogs that blend language tips, cultural insights, and practical learning strategies to support every Arabic learner’s journey.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends to spread the knowledge!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Telegram
X
Other Posts